Chelsea to face Rubin Kazan

European champion Chelsea was paired with Russian side Rubin Kazan in the draw for the Europa League quarterfinals on Friday as the three English qualifiers were kept apart.

Chelsea was drawn against eastern European opposition for the third straight round, having already knocked out Sparta Prague and Steaua Bucharest since dropping into the competition following its elimination from the Champions League.

After barely staving off a stunning comeback from Inter Milan in the last 16, Tottenham was drawn against Swiss side FC Basel while Newcastle will play Portugal side Benfica.

The other quarterfinal sees Italian side Lazio take on Turkish side Fenerbahce.

The first legs will be played April 4 with the return legs set for April 11.